Saul recognized David’s voice and said, “Is this your voice, my son David?” And David said, “It is my voice, my lord, O king.” And he said, “Why does my lord pursue after his servant? For what have I done? What evil is on my hands? Now therefore let my lord the king hear the words of his servant. If it is the LORD who has stirred you up against me, may he accept an offering, but if it is men, may they be cursed before the LORD, for they have driven me out this day that I should have no share in the heritage of the LORD, saying, ‘Go, serve other gods.’ Now therefore, let not my blood fall to the earth away from the presence of the LORD, for the king of Israel has come out to seek a single flea like one who hunts a partridge in the mountains.”
Then Saul said, “I have sinned. Return, my son David, for I will no more do you harm, because my life was precious in your eyes this day. Behold, I have acted foolishly, and have made a great mistake.”
Comment: Whereas Abner had not recognized David’s voice, Saul did. David speaks very plainly to Saul.
- Why are you chasing me? What have I done wrong?
- Is it others who are keeping you thinking evil of me or is it from God? If it is men let them be cursed – if it is God I am prepared to make an appropriate gift/offering/sacrifice to God.
- I want to be in the midst of Israel not among people who worship other ‘gods’.
- You, instead of being about your kingly duties are like a man chasing a flea or someone looking for a single bird in a huge forest!
- Saul speaks nice words. David has heard the vacillating Saul before and while Saul sounds as if there is now nothing between them, I doubt if David will accept it as completely true.
Prayer: Like David did, I want to be truly a part of Your people, O God.
As I read it! 
Thank you Barry for your comments on this passage. Saul apologizes because he realizes that once again David has spared his life when he could have done just the opposite. The analogy of a “flea” or a partridge in a forest is most apt. David and Saul are at peace again, but for how long? God bless you.
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